Glentoran's Focus on the Task at Hand
Jack Malone, manager of Glentoran, has stated that his team will not be swayed by Linfield's recent 3-0 defeat to Ballymena United. The Glens began the new season with a 2-0 victory over Limavady United, but the Blues' loss has not affected Glentoran's mindset for the upcoming derby at Windsor Park on Saturday (3pm).
Malone emphasized that the only thing his team will focus on is performing well and securing a positive result, just as they do before every game. He believes that Linfield, despite their loss, will be eager to bounce back and will be looking to win against Glentoran.
Preparing for the 'Big Two' Derby
Malone highlighted the importance of the 'Big Two' derby for both teams and the supporters. He stated that the result is crucial for the fans and that no extra motivation is needed when playing against rivals. He acknowledged that the game will be difficult, as Linfield is a strong side with experience and quality, but Glentoran is also confident in their abilities.
The manager added that Glentoran will aim to build on their recent victory and maintain their strong performance. He emphasized that their aim in every game is to collect three points, regardless of the opponent. The team will need to produce a performance that meets their standards, especially when playing at the National Stadium.
Reflection on the Season Opener
Malone also reflected on Glentoran's 2-0 victory over Limavady United, where they dominated large periods of the game but had to remain patient to secure the win. Jordan Stewart came off the bench to score the opening goal, and Pat Hoban added a second goal. Malone praised Pat Hoban for his ability to score in tight situations and highlighted the importance of the team's persistence in securing the win.
Upcoming Matches
The article also mentioned other upcoming matches, including Cliftonville's game against Bangor, Portadown's match against Dungannon, and Crusaders' game against Ballymena. All these games are set to take place on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.
Malone's focus on the task at hand and his team's determination to perform well in the upcoming derby against Linfield highlights the importance of this match for both teams and the fans of the Irish League.
